Running Back Jamal Morrow Returns Revved Up For Riders Final Regular-Season Home Game

Words by Daniella Ponticelli

Jamal Morrow has a new scar to add to his football story.

The 27-year-old running back, who had never missed a football game with an injury before, returns to the Saskatchewan Roughriders lineup Saturday eight weeks after breaking his wrist.

“There’s a lot of patience and resilience. But I feel good and I’m excited to be out here with the guys,” Morrow said after practice Wednesday.

“My first game back is at home and it’s the last home game of the regular season. You know, it’s going to be amazing. A lot of emotions going through.”

Morrow recalled how something didn’t “feel right” after taking a fall during the Riders Week 10 game in Edmonton on Aug. 13. Several days later, doctors confirmed the break.

The third-year Rider was given the choice of having surgery after the home game against BC on Aug. 19, or to continue playing—possibly worsen his injury—and recover in the offseason.

The Menifee, California native started in the B.C. matchup, completing six carries for 34 yards, before undergoing surgery two days later on Sunday, Aug. 21.

“It was a ‘team before me’ kind of situation. And so I can go in and, you know, battle it out or I know I have Frankie (Hickson) and he’s going to take care of business,” Morrow said, referring to his fellow running back and roommate.

“I knew I was in good hands with Frankie. So, I kind of let him take the reins and he did a good job.”

Running backs Jamal Morrow (left) and Frankie Hickson (right) during a Saskatchewan Roughriders home game against the Ottawa Redblacks on July 8, 2022.

Hickson had four starts in Morrow’s absence, rushing for 299 yards in those games.

The 25-year-old recorded a personal single-game high 15 carries for 129 yards as a Roughrider on Aug. 26 at BC Place. Saskatchewan won 23-16.

Through 13 games played this season, Hickson has 85 carries for 533 yards, his longest being a 63-yard touchdown run against Ottawa on July 8. He also has 17 receptions for 109 yards and seven kickoff returns for 168 yards.

Unfortunately, the Virginia product sustained a fractured wrist, coincidentally also while playing Edmonton, on Sept. 16.

“He’s on the mend, so hopefully we can get him back sooner rather than later,” Morrow said.

For the Riders, the timing is right for a veteran presence like Morrow. The Green and White are in must-win situations for their last two games of the regular season, both against the 10-6 Calgary Stampeders, to potentially earn a playoff spot in the east.

“Super good to see him out there,” Head Coach Craig Dickenson said after practice Tuesday. “We’ve got a lot of running backs but they’re just all nicked up. It’s good to have J-Mo back there.”

Through 10 games played in 2022, Morrow has 110 rushes for 564 yards and two touchdowns, plus 34 receptions for 305 yards and one touchdown. He’s also recorded 16 punt returns for 135 yards and 13 kickoff returns for 294 yards.

Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Jamal Morrow moves through a tackle during a home game against the BC Lions on Aug. 19, 2022. It was his final game before undergoing surgery for a broken hand.

The energetic tailback admitted the worst part of his recovery was watching from the sidelines, and seeing his teammates battle hard only to come up short in close situations.

Morrow stayed connected to his team as a hype man on the bench and worked out at the facility with strength and conditioning coach Clinton Spencer.

He also took part in more off-field community events as a Riders representative, including a trip to Saskatoon during the recent bye week.

“Being actually out in the community, and seeing the pride people have in the Riders, is amazing,” he said. “Anytime I can give back to kids, to the community or for a good cause, I’m all for it and it was really rewarding to see that.”

The Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-10) host the final regular season home game at Mosaic Stadium against the Calgary Stampeders (10-6) Saturday, Oct. 22, with a 5 p.m. CST kickoff. It’s the 13th Fan Appreciation Game, along with the Cameco Riders Touchdown for Dreams Pink Game, in support of the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.

Morrow said he’s thankful for Rider Nation through a challenging season.

“I definitely wish that, you know, we could have done more,” he said. “At the same time, we appreciate you guys, day in day out, for supporting us and sticking with us through thick and thin. The season’s not over, too.”

The Riders must win-out their final two games of the regular season for a chance at an eastern crossover spot in the playoffs. Additionally, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-10) must lose at least one of their next two games against the Ottawa Redblacks to have a worse record than Saskatchewan.